Molière is back! And it’s in the urban jungle of 90s Los Angeles that he’s set up his summer quarters. A hit at the 2010 Off, “Le Médecin Malgré Lui – Los Angeles 90′” returns to the Festival d’Avignon, and the show lives up to its reputation. Strictly adhered to, Molière’s text (strangely) finds its natural place in the mouths of characters straight out of American TV series. These are clichés you’d never dream of, but you’ll enjoy them without ever having to sulk, because the actors make you believe them. From the doctor in spite of himself, homeless and addicted to drugs in whatever form they fall into his hands, to the father, Géronte, pacing his wealthy Bel Air mansion in ankle boots and a bathrobe, not to mention Lucinde, half-Paris, half-Pamela, and the trigger-happy bodyguards, it’s a pure delight. It’s been said too often that Molière’s works are as relevant today as they ever were, and continue to point out the absurdities of our own times, so there’s no need to dwell on the subject. The Le Pack collective has not only risen to the challenge of transposing the play into (almost) contemporary California – a perilous exercise if ever there was one – without ever distorting the work, but above all makes us laugh out loud from start to finish.
There are only two performances left before the Festival ends on July 31, so be sure to catch one if you’re in Avignon this weekend!
Le Médecin Malgré Lui – Los Angeles 90′ – Every day at 4.10pm at the Palais Royal, Place de l’Amirande in Avignon – Reservations on 04 90 14 02 54
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